Did you know that lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in the Philippines? And that it is the leading cause of death among all types of cancer in the country? November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month all over the world and it is an opportunity to be reminded of the following facts about this condition that can be prevented by avoiding smoking (including second hand smoke):
Causes
• Smoking (Almost 100% of all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking.)
• Involuntary smoking, also called “secondhand smoking” (non-smokers breathing harmful substances contained in tobacco smoke)
• Pollution (air pollutants, such as combustion of diesel and other fuels)
Signs and Symptoms
• Persistent dry cough that gets worse over time
• Constant chest pain
• Blood-stained sputum (phlegm)
• Extreme shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
• Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in swallowing
Treatment
Management of lung cancer is usually done by:
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapy
Prevention
• Unfortunately, there is no effective way of detecting lung cancer in its early stages.
• The best approach to lung cancer prevention is to stop smoking.
• Also, the following may help prevent lung cancer:
− Stop smoking.
− Avoid secondhand smoke.
− Eat a healthy diet.
− Exercise
For more information, visit the ‘Lung Cancer’ page in Healthy Pilipinas: https://healthypilipinas.ph/health-a-to-z/lung-cancer
